Initial and Final Setting Time of Cement: Procedure & Calculation

Initial and Final Setting Time of Cement Test

The setting time of cement is an important characteristic that determines its performance and
application.

The setting time refers to the time it takes for cement to harden and become stable after it has
been mixed with water.

This process involves a series of chemical reactions that lead to the formation of a hardened
mass.

To measure the setting time of cement, two tests are commonly used – the initial and final setting
time tests.

These tests are critical in ensuring that the cement is used appropriately and that it performs as
expected in various applications.

In this context, understanding the significance and methods of conducting initial and final setting
time tests is crucial for anyone involved in the production, distribution, or use of cement.

Initial Setting Time

The initial setting time of cement is the time taken by the cement paste to set and harden to a
point where it can no longer be disturbed by any external force.

This is typically measured using the Vicat apparatus, and the standard requirement is that the
initial setting time should not be less than 30 minutes for ordinary Portland cement.

Final Setting Time

The final setting time of cement is the time taken by the cement paste to reach a state of
complete hardening and development of strength.

This is also measured using the Vicat apparatus, and the standard requirement is that the final
setting time should not be more than 10 hours for ordinary Portland cement.

Importance of initial and final setting time of cement

 It is required that cement does not lose its plasticity too early or too late. If cement is set
too early, there is insufficient time for transportation and place of concrete.
 If cement is set too late then there is a delay in construction work. Also, concrete will not
get sufficient strength early and the formwork removal process delayed.
 The proper setting time is required for the stiffening of cement paste to a defined
consistency.
 It is indirectly related to the chemical reaction of cement with water to form an
aluminum-silicate compound.
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  Initial setting time is an important time to know for concrete transportation, placing, and
curing.
 Initial setting time is also utilized to delay the process of hydration or hardening.
 The final setting time is utilized for the safe removal of scaffolding or form.

Factors Affecting Setting Time of Cement

The initial and final setting times of cement are important properties that determine its suitability
for various construction applications.

The initial setting time refers to the time taken by the cement paste to lose its plasticity and
become rigid enough to resist certain loads without any appreciable indentation.

This time is important for processes such as handling, transportation, and placement of concrete.
If the initial setting time is too short, the concrete may not be workable, and if it is too long, the
concrete may start setting before it is placed, causing difficulty in finishing.

The final setting time is the time taken by the cement paste to harden and attain its ultimate
strength.

This is important for ensuring that the concrete attains its full strength and durability, and can
resist external loads and environmental factors over a long period of time.

If the final setting time is too short, the concrete may not attain its full strength, while if it is too
long, the setting may be delayed, leading to prolonged construction times and increased costs.

In summary, the initial and final setting times of cement are crucial parameters that impact the
workability, strength, and durability of concrete.

Therefore, it is important to ensure that these parameters are within the desired range to achieve
the best results in construction projects.

Procedure for Initial and Final Setting Time of Cement

As Per  IS: 4031 (Part 5) – 1988.  The initial and final setting time of cement is calculated using
the VICAT apparatus conforming to IS: 5513 – 1976.

Apparatus

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Apparatus Initial and Final Setting Time of Cement
1) Balance – The permissible variation at a load of 1000 g shall be ± 1.0 g.
2) Vicat Apparatus – Vicat apparatus should confirm to IS: 5513-1976.
3) Stop Watch
4) Gauging or Mixing Trowel
5) Glass Plate
6) Enamel tray

Test Procedure

Preparation of Test

1) Consistency of cement shall be tested before conducting a test to find out % of the water
required by the weight of cement as normal consistency of cement (P).
2) Take about 400 gm of cement and add water about 0.85x P (P is % water required for
normal consistency of cement)
3) Mix water with cement quickly in a short time about 3 min to 5 min. Start the stopwatch
at the instance when water is added to the cement. Record this time (T1).
4) Now, fill this prepared cement paste in a Vicat apparatus mould having a diameter of 80
mm and a height of 50 mm resting on a non–porous glass plate. Properly fill and smooth
off the top surface of the mould and level it.

For Initial Setting Time

1) For determining the initial setting time of cement, place this mould filled with cement
paste below the Vicat apparatus and fit the needle used for testing the initial setting time.
2) Lower the bottom of the needle such that it touches the top of cement paste filled in
mould.
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 3) Remove the locking pin from the top and quickly release the needle, allowing it to
penetrate into the cement paste.
4) At the beginning, the needle penetrates and touches the bottom of mould. Repeat this
process, like quickly releasing the needle after every 2 minutes till the needle fails to
penetrate the cement paste for about 5 mm measured from the bottom of the mould.
5) Note Time (T2) when the needle fails to penetrate 5 mm from the bottom of the mould.

Fitial Setting Time

1. For determining the final setting time of cement replace the needle with another needle having
an angular ring attachment.

2. Now, slightly release this needle on the surface of the cement paste and observe whether it is
making an impression of the ring on the surface or not. Not the time when need fails to make an
impression on the surface of cement paste. (T2)

Calculation of Initial and Final Time:

Initial setting time of cement = Time when needle fails to penetrate 5 m from the bottom of
mould (T2) – The time when added to cement (T1)

Final setting time of cement = Time when angular need ring impression stop on cement paste
(T3) – Time when water added to cement (T1)

Read More: Soundness Test Of Cement – Procedure And Results

Practical Calculations

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Suppose, Consistency of cement (P) = 30% and Weight of cement = 400 kg

Water to be added in cement = (0.85 x P) x 400 = (0.85 x 30%) x 400 = 102 ml

The time when water added to cement = 7:00 am

Time, when needle fails to penetrate less than 5 mm from the bottom of mould = 7:45, am

Initial Setting Time of Cement = 7:45 am – 7:00 am = 45 min.

Time When angular ring needle fails to make impression on the surface of cement paste = 12:00
pm

Final setting Time of Cement = 12:00 pm – 7:00 am = 5 hr = 300 min.

Standard Setting Times for Various Cement

Name of Cement Ref. IS Code Initial Setting Time(min) Final Setting Time(Max)

OPC (33) IS: 269 30 600

OPC (43) IS: 8112 30 600

OPC (53) IS: 12269 30 600

SRC IS: 12330 30 600

PPC IS 1489.P1 30 600

RHPC IS: 8041 30 600

PSC IS: 455 30 600

High Alumina IS: 6452 30 600

Super Sulphate IS: 6909 30 600

Low Heat IS: 12600 60 600

Masonry Cement IS: 3466 90 1440

IRS – T -40 Railway 60 600

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 FAQs

Initial and Final Setting Time of OPC Cement?

For OPC, the Minimum setting initial setting is 30 min and the maximum final setting time is
600 min.

Initial setting time of PPC cement?

The Minimum initial setting time of PPC cement is 30 min.

Setting Time of Cement

The initial setting time gives an idea about how fast cement can start losing its plasticity and the
final setting time of cement gives an idea about how much cement takes to lose its full plasticity
and gain some strength to resist pressure.

Setting Time Test of Cement

The setting Time of the cement test is conducted to find out the initial and final setting time of
any cement. Initial Setting Time is the time elapsed between the moments that the water is added
to the cement, to the time that the paste starts losing its plasticity. It is the time elapsed between
the moment the water is added to the cement and the time when cement paste loses its plasticity
completely

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